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In August I went to Scandinavia for the first time. I was a guest of Music Norway as part of its international delegate program, showcasing Øyafestivalen. I listened to all of the Norwegian acts before I left Australia. There were heaps! That was my favourite aspect, hands down. Vince Staples will play Sydney again but it’s doubtful I’ll see Stein Torleif Bjella down under. I could ...

“This song is about underground communities and how they tear themselves apart.” Fifteen minutes after Shogun of Royal Headache said this onstage, I began to experience an offstage version. Only there was no catharsis; no song. In the gig washout, a message popped up on my phone. It was from the admin of a Facebook group I’ve been part of pretty much ...

Last weekend in Melbourne, and the week before in Brisbane, A Rock & Roll Writers Festival returned for a second year to put songwriters, music critics and novelists on stage to discuss their craft. Speakers included Adalita, Bunna Lawrie, Tim Rogers, Jess Ribeiro and Jenny Valentish. I took part in a panel with three other music critics. The festival claims to “celebrate ...